Winner of the prestigious Xeric Award, 8-9-3 is a graphic novel published by Automaton, a division of Way Out Comics. It's a story about loyalty and betrayal set in the underworld of modern day Japan. It will be distributed by Diamond Comics in August 2009 and is currently available for preorders. Please contact your comics retailer for details.

The book's Creator and Artist, Jack Hsu, has worked on numerous Hollywood films as a storyboard artist. His credits include Stuart Little 2, Spider-man 2 and Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs, due out in September 2009. The inspiration for 8-9-3 came not only from Jack's own experience of living in Japan as a teenager but also from his love for manga and Asian cinema.

Publisher and Editor Julie Yeh won the 2003 Xeric Award for her debut comics Poppie's Adventures: Serpents in Paradise and is currently working on its sequel to be set in North Africa. Visit Julie and her work at www.poppiesadventures.com.

Graphic Designer Ming Tai has won numerous awards for his work in television motion graphics. He is a founding partner of the firm M Factor Inc. in Venice, California.

To contact us phone Way Out Comics at 310.202.0209 or e-mail Jack Hsu directly.